Since its inception in 1974, United Central has been focused on serving mining industries in the US and Canada. A combination of organic growth and eleven strategic acquisitions have propelled United Central into the position of being the largest distributor of mining supplies in North America. United Central currently operates 26 locations throughout the US and Canada.

Headquartered in Houston, TX, GHX, known as “The Expert Fit” in the industries it serves, has a more than 70-year history of providing fluid transfer (hoses), fluid sealing (gaskets), and other products to a variety of oil and gas upstream companies, refineries, power generation, petrochemical, mining, agriculture and marine enterprises. GHX currently operates 39 locations throughout the US and Canada.

Coming out of the merger, The United Distribution Group, Inc. has been formed to manage United Central and its subsidiaries, Gooding Rubber Co. and National Mine Service and GHX and its subsidiaries McCarty Equipment Company and McCarty Equipment of Canada. “All entities will operate as standalone business divisions,” stated United Central CEO Darrell H. Cole, who has recently been appointed President & CEO of The United Distribution Group, Inc.

Henry E. Looney, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing of United Central and a 31 year industry veteran, has been promoted to President of United Central effective with the merger and reports to Mr. Cole. Richard A. Harrison, a 30 year industry veteran will continue in his role as President of GHX. Mr. Harrison will also report to Mr. Cole.

Mr. Cole stated, “I am confident that Messrs. Looney and Harrison will make significant contributions to the enhancement of the United Central and GHX service models.” Mr. Cole further stated, “I look forward to continuing to work directly with both Mr. Looney and Mr. Harrison.” Mr. Cole stated, “the merger of these two leading organizations allows the combined companies to provide a greater depth of resources to the respective industries they serve.”

Daniel D. Ahuero, a founder and former Executive Chairman of GHX Industrial, LLC, has joined The United Distribution Group as Vice President of Mergers & Acquisitions. Benjamin B. Andrews, also a founder and former Executive Vice President of GHX Industrial, LLC, has joined The United Distribution Group as Vice President of Corporate Development. Messrs. Ahuero, Andrews and Cole jointly stated they look forward to continuing to contribute to the model that creates increased customer value as well as overall growth for United Central and GHX.

The combined organization now has a nationwide network of 65 branches and over 800 employees.